TRAVIS | THE MAN WHO
The second studio album by this British band saw a dramatic change in their direction. As they left the rockier elements of their debut release behind, the tone switched quickly to a much more contemplative and melancholic vibe. Nigel Godrich’s cleaver production brings all things pristine and elegant to the party and leaves behind the raucousness they were very eager to shake off.
Standout tracks like “As You Are” and “Writing To Reach You” are filled with sadly charming melodies and pleasing chord progressions. It’s a sorrowful album that doesn’t come off as morose, but instead manages to be playful in its wonderland of reflective despair. It is a collection of songs littered with major 7th chords, tight trinket drops of instrumentation, and very tasteful arrangements.
The album arrives and stays in a low-level gear, never fully revving up or going anywhere important, because it just doesn’t need to. It’s happy cruising slowly and comfortable where it is. It’s this consistency that makes it so special and rewarding to listen to, like the perfect easy stroll of inter-tubing down a serene lake. To be this comfortable and not get lazy is the target they achieve. As the world began to discover the genius that was Travis, their hit single “Why Does It Always Rain On Me” helped the band garner major attention and win plenty of awards by the end of the album’s release.
The album cover is a chilly showcase of the band in a snow-covered wintery area, which plays off of the simplicity and honesty in the music. The songs are like gloves, hats, and warm coats to provide comfort in a time of what feels like a change for the band, growing up from their less polished roots, and becoming more serious about the journey of life. “Driftwood” is as beautiful as any song ever written and passes through the listeners chest like a biting wind telling us it’s time to go inside from the cold of our memories. It is the strength of the songwriting throughout The Man Who that has kept it in the global canon of one of the greatest Brit Rock albums of all time.
THE DRIFTWOOD
1.5 oz vodka
1 oz cointreau
.5 oz lime juice
.5 oz Elderflower liquor
*Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with an orange peel.